Austin Dam; Oray 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jorda Dam; Irene Bland Dam; Wiley 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Austin Dam, also known as Oray 1 or Wetland #1, is a privately owned structure located in Adams County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Designed by USFWS and completed in 1992, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 550 feet. Its primary purpose is to serve as a fish and wildlife pond, with a normal storage capacity of 26.1 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 107 acre-feet.
Situated on Cedar Creek-TR, this dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Austin Dam is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. Although its condition is currently not rated, this structure plays a crucial role in supporting local fish and wildlife habitats while managing water resources in the area.
Overall, Austin Dam serves as a vital component in the conservation efforts of the St. Paul District, providing essential water management for the surrounding environment. With its modest size and purposeful design, this earth dam exemplifies the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.8 |
Drainage Area |
8.1 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Austin Dam; Oray 1